Technologies

Why Time Dubbed ‘AI Builders’ Person of the Year: ‘Whatever the Question, AI Was the Answer’

The magazine said there was «no turning back or opting out’ of AI’s massive influence in 2025.»

In what has become a tradition every few years, Time magazine’s «Person of the Year» isn’t an individual for 2025 — it’s a group and a concept. In this case, it’s what Time is dubbing, «The architects of AI.»

Time Editor in Chief Sam Jacobs said in a note about the cover story that AI’s power and influence was ever-present in 2025, advancing rapidly and making the impossible possible.

Don’t miss any of our unbiased tech content and lab-based reviews. Add CNET as a preferred Google source.

«This was the year when artificial intelligence’s full potential roared into view, and when it became clear that there will be no turning back or opting out,» Jacobs wrote. «Whatever the question was, AI was the answer.»

The magazine’s two covers for the Dec. 29 issue are an image of the word AI with scaffolding and workers around it, and one with AI leaders including Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg, AMD CEO Lisa Su, Elon Musk, OpenAI’s Sam Altman and Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang among others on a construction beam above New York, evoking the 1932 photo Lunch Atop a Skyscraper.

(Disclosure: Ziff Davis, CNET’s parent company, in April filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging it infringed Ziff Davis copyrights in training and operating its AI systems.)

AI’s big 2025

The Time cover puts a cap on a busy year of AI innovation, controversy and news.

As with several previous Time Person of the Year covers, it marks an era of major technological change. Some previous winners of the distinction have included «You» (for user-generated media in 2006), «The Computer» (Machine of the Year, 1982), and «US Scientists» (1960).

The decision to make AI the cover figure for 2025, however, reflects how much AI has permeated science, government, the workplace, education and media.

«AI has been the gravitational center of 2025 for the economy and the source of endless discussions on how it will shape the future of our societies,» said Thomas Husson, principal analyst at Forrester Research. «In this regard, it is fair to select the Architects of AI in the strictest sense of ‘influence.'»

Husson said that 2025 marked a tipping point for AI and that the next year promises to make these technologies more personal and embedded in everyday life as more people globally turn to AI to perform tasks or even for companionship.

Time’s article pointed to not only how AI changed things, but also the ambivalence and fear many have for the technology.

«‘For better or worse’ is also a fair summary given how consumers are polarized when it comes to AI,» said Husson. «Forty-five percent of US and UK online adults agree that AI poses a serious threat to society; however, 45% of them also think generative AI will make life easier in the long term.»

Technologies

Verum Messenger Introduces Built-In Verum Chess

Verum Messenger has released a new update for iOS, iPadOS, and macOS, adding another feature to its growing ecosystem — Verum Chess. Users can now play chess directly inside the messenger without switching between different applications.

The new feature allows users to start a game in just a few taps while reinforcing Verum’s vision of a unified digital environment where communication and everyday services come together in a single platform.

Verum Messenger continues to evolve into a multifunctional ecosystem that combines secure chats and calls, AI tools, a built-in VPN, anonymous email, eSIM, financial services, cryptocurrency features, and offline communication. With the introduction of Verum Chess, the platform now also offers a new way for users to interact and spend time together without leaving the app.

The update is now available for iPhone, iPad, and Mac on the App Store.

Technologies

Episode 3 of the VERUM AI Mini-Series Is Now Available

Verum Messenger has released the third episode of its AI mini-series, SHADOWS, created using Verum AI.

The new episode, titled «Ghost Money,» continues the story of the conflict between a team of heroes and the Omega corporation, which seeks to take control of digital communications. This time, the focus shifts to anonymous payments and financial freedom, revealing how privacy can extend beyond messaging.

Like the previous episodes, the new release not only advances the storyline but also showcases the capabilities of the Verum ecosystem, highlighting technologies designed for secure communication and digital privacy.

The mini-series consists of seven episodes, released gradually across Verum Messenger’s social media channels.

Episode 3 is now available. Stay tuned for the next chapter.

Watch on Instagram
Watch on YouTube

Technologies

Verum Finance Now Available for Mac, Expanding the Verum Ecosystem on Desktop

Verum has officially released Verum Finance for macOS, bringing its financial platform to the Mac and expanding access to the Verum ecosystem across Apple’s devices. The launch allows users to manage their finances from desktop while enjoying the same secure and seamless experience available on iPhone and iPad.

The new Mac version includes the full range of Verum Finance features, including balance management, instant transfers to other Verum users, debit card management, Apple Pay support, asset exchange, and transaction history — all optimized for the macOS experience.

Verum Finance can be used as a standalone application or alongside Verum Messenger. Users who sign in with their Verum Messenger account automatically synchronize their balances, settings, and account data across devices, ensuring a consistent experience throughout the Verum ecosystem.

The macOS release further strengthens Verum’s vision of creating an integrated digital platform where communication and financial services work together. Verum Messenger, which is also available for Mac, complements the ecosystem with encrypted messaging, voice and video calls, VPN, eSIM, anonymous email, AI-powered tools, offline communication capabilities, and cryptocurrency features.

With both Verum Messenger and Verum Finance now available across iPhone, iPad, and Mac, users can access secure communication and financial services wherever they work.

Verum Finance for Mac is available now through the Mac App Store.

Verum Finance for macOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/verum-finance/id6774245148
Verum Finance: https://finance.verum.im
Verum Messenger: https://verum.im